Self-Assessment is a self-directed, two-part process that results in a Learning Plan. You must participate in this component.
Through the Self-Assessment process, you identify your learning needs in relation to the two practice documents selected for the QA Program. The practice documents for 2012 are:
Are you an NP?
In addition to the two selected practice documents, NPs must review the Nurse Practitioner practice document.
The two parts to Self-Assessment are:
- Practice Reflection
- Developing and maintaining a Learning Plan
Part A: Practice Reflection
Determining your strengths and areas you need to improve by reflecting on your practice and obtaining peer input will help you to continually improve your competence as a nurse. Peer input builds on practice reflection by providing greater awareness of your strengths and opportunities for learning. Use the results of Practice Reflection to create your learning goals.
Need help creating your learning goals? Read about how to write SMART goals.
You can document your Practice Reflection activities on a form the College has provided, or develop your own form or process. Use the results of Practice Reflection to create your learning goals. While you will be asking for input from your peers during Practice Reflection, you should complete the Learning Plan on your own.
Part B: Developing and maintaining a Learning Plan to meet your learning goals
The results of Practice Reflection will form the basis of your Learning Plan. Your Learning Plan is a record of your ongoing participation in activities that help maintain your competence as a nurse. The plan outlines how you relate practice standards to your nursing practice. It articulates learning goals based on your Practice Reflection, and the activities you will undertake to achieve those goals.
The College expects you to continually update your Learning Plan and to keep each Learning Plan for two years.
Program components
Want more information on the three components of the QA Program?
Resources
QA Program
Quality Assurance Program Requirements fact sheet - provides an overview of the QA Program.
Self-Assessment: A Guide to Developing Your Learning Goals and Learning Plan 2012 - guides you through the Self-Assessment process and explains the steps required to complete a Learning Plan.
Learning Plan forms
Learning Goal Page - Use this Word form to type your information. Open the form, type in the fields, then save and/or print the form.
Samples of Learning Goal Pages
The following sample Learning Plans relate to the selected practice documents. The samples illustrate how to document your learning goal; the activities to achieve this goal; and an evaluation of changes to your practice as activities are completed and the goal is accomplished. All learning goals must also include a reflection of the elements.
Other forms
Practice Reflection form - This form is only available as a PDF. You can print it and complete it by hand.
2012 QA practice standards
Other QA resources
Self-Assessment tools
The College has developed these tools to assist nurses with their Practice Reflection. The tools help you determine your strengths and the areas you need to improve in regards to the practice standards selected for the year’s Quality Assurance Program. Once you have identified your learning needs by using the tools, you can create your learning goals and start developing your Learning Plan.
There are four Self-Assessment tools:
A tool for the Nurse Practitioner practice standard is currently in development.